El Escorial, Valley & Segovia With Cathedral Day Tour From Madrid

The "El Escorial, Valley & Segovia with Cathedral Day Tour from Madrid" offers travelers an engaging full-day exploration of Spain’s architectural and historical wonders. From the imposing Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial to the poignant Valley of the Fallen, this tour provides an immersive journey into the country’s rich cultural heritage. But the true highlight lies in the captivating medieval Old Town of Segovia, where visitors can marvel at the stunning cathedral and the fairytale-like Alcázar. With comfortable transportation and knowledgeable bilingual guides, this tour promises an experience that goes beyond the typical sightseeing, leaving you eager to uncover more of Spain’s treasures.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Madrid explores the UNESCO-listed Royal Monastery of El Escorial, the Valley of the Fallen monument, and the historic city of Segovia, including its cathedral.

• The tour provides round-trip transportation, a guided experience at each destination, and the opportunity to learn about the architectural and historical significance of the sites.

• Highlights include a visit to the imposing Royal Palace, Pantheon of the Kings, and Chapter Rooms at El Escorial, as well as the grand Basilica and its dome.

• In Segovia, the tour includes a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, featuring the Gothic-style cathedral and the iconic Alcázar castle.

• The tour is not accessible for wheelchair users and is not recommended for travelers with certain medical conditions, but it accommodates families with children.

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "El Escorial, Valley & Segovia with Cathedral Day Tour from Madrid," is a full-day excursion that takes visitors to two renowned destinations near the Spanish capital.

Priced from $101.19, the tour has received 24 reviews with a 3.5-star rating.

The itinerary includes visits to the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Segovia, including its cathedral.

The tour also features a stop at the Basilica of the Valley of the Fallen.

The experience lasts the entire day and includes comfortable round-trip transportation, an official bilingual guide, and a walking tour in Segovia.

Exploring El Escorial

Visitors first explore the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as an architectural masterpiece.

They’ll wander through the Royal Palace, admiring its opulent rooms and the Pantheon of the Kings. The Chapter Rooms and Cloister of the Four Evangelists offer a glimpse into the monastery’s religious life.

The grand Basilica, with its impressive dome, is the tour’s centerpiece. Throughout the visit, travelers marvel at the site’s scale, attention to detail, and historical significance as a former residence of Spanish monarchs.

The guided experience lasts approximately an hour, allowing ample time to appreciate this stunning example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

Visiting the Valley of the Fallen

Next, the tour takes visitors to the Valley of the Fallen, a vast monument built into the mountainside. This memorial, commissioned by General Franco, commemorates those who died during the Spanish Civil War.

Visitors spend around 20 minutes exploring the Basilica, which features a massive granite cross that rises 152 meters (500 feet) above the valley floor. While the site is controversial due to its association with the Franco regime, it remains an iconic and thought-provoking destination for those interested in Spain’s tumultuous history.

The tour then continues to the historic city of Segovia, home to the magnificent Segovia Cathedral and the iconic Roman aqueduct.

Discovering Segovia

Segovia’s UNESCO-listed Old Town welcomes travelers with its stunning medieval architecture and landmarks.

The guided walking tour through this historic city allows visitors to admire the impressive Segovia Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece dating back to the 16th century.

The tour also includes a visit to the iconic Alcázar of Segovia, a fairytale-like medieval castle perched atop a rocky outcrop.

Wandering the picturesque streets, travelers can discover charming plazas, quaint shops, and traditional local cuisine.

The tour provides an opportunity to take in Segovia’s rich cultural heritage and appreciate its well-preserved historical significance.

Transportation and Meeting Point

Convenient round-trip transportation from Madrid by air-conditioned coach facilitates the journey to the tour’s starting point. The meeting point is located at C. de Ferraz, 3, Moncloa – Aravaca, 28008 Madrid, Spain, and the tour begins promptly at 8:45 am.

Transport	Meeting Point	Start Time	Inclusions	Exclusions
Air-conditioned coach	C. de Ferraz, 3, Moncloa – Aravaca, 28008 Madrid, Spain	8:45 am	Official bilingual guide, air-conditioned coach, Segovia walking tour, lunch, hotel pick up/drop off	Entrance to unspecified monuments

The tour provides a comfortable and efficient way to explore the historic sites of El Escorial and Segovia, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for participants.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

What does the tour include and exclude?

The tour includes an official bilingual guide, air-conditioned coach transportation, a guided walking tour of Segovia’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, and lunch.

Entrance tickets to the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the Basilica of the Valley of the Fallen, and the Segovia Cathedral are also included.

However, the tour excludes entrance to any other unspecified monuments.

Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Accessibility and Child Policy

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions.

However, children are welcome to join the tour, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

The tour has the following child policy:

• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• There are no special discounts for children.
• Infants (under 2 years old) can join the tour for free.
• Minimum age to participate is 3 years old.
• Parents are responsible for the safety and behavior of their children during the tour.

Customer Feedback and Suggestions

According to customer reviews, the tour generally receives positive feedback, with travelers highlighting the well-organized nature of the experience and the knowledgeable nature of the guides.

However, some issues have been raised regarding the logistics, such as returning to Madrid for lunch, overcrowded buses, and language barriers during the tours.

Customers have suggested improvements to the bus fleet’s comfort, consideration of direct routes to maximize time at destinations, and enhanced restroom availability in Segovia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Tour?

There are no specific dress code requirements for this tour. However, visitors are recommended to wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, as the tour involves walking through historic sites and uneven terrain.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Meet Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to some degree to meet specific interests. However, the core itinerary and activities are fixed, so significant customization may not be possible. Travelers should inquire about any possible adjustments when booking the tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour provider offers discounted rates for seniors and students, typically around 10-15% off the regular price. However, specific discounts may vary, so it’s best to check with the provider when booking the tour.

Can I Purchase Additional Food or Beverages During the Tour?

Yes, participants can purchase additional food and beverages during the tour. However, the cost of any extra items is not included in the tour price and must be paid separately by the traveler.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration or Add Additional Stops?

It may be possible to extend the tour duration or add additional stops, but this would likely require booking a private or custom tour. Standard group tours generally maintain a fixed itinerary and duration to accommodate all participants.

Recap

The "El Escorial, Valley & Segovia with Cathedral Day Tour from Madrid" offers an immersive exploration of Spain’s architectural and historical wonders. Travelers will discover the grandeur of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo, the poignant history of the Valley of the Fallen, and the medieval charm of Segovia’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. With comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Spain’s rich cultural heritage.